An information session on refugee sponsorship here on Feb. 6 attracted interest from Kincardine, Harriston, Kitchener and Rockwood, as well as Mapleton Township.
The meeting was hosted by the Drayton Christian Reformed Church, which is in the process of sponsoring a Syrian refugee family and is encouraging other churches, organizations and individuals to consider sponsorship.
The church partnered with World Renew in hopes of fulfilling its commitment of having a Syrian family settle in Drayton. World Renew is a faith-based organization that focuses on “living justice, loving mercy and serving Christ.” Extending a welcome to refugees follows the theme in Matthew 25:35 – “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
“A refugee is someone who has suffered or fears persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a group, political opinion and flees to another country to seek protection,” said Rebecca Walker, a refugee resettlement worker with World Renew.
“Currently there are 59 million displaced people worldwide, four million being Syrian. This is the first time since World War Two that the number of displaced people has exceeded 50 million people.”
Host countries for refugees include Turkey, Lebanon and Pakistan, each accommodating one million people. The majority of refugees come from Columbia, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq and the Congo.
“Pamela deWilde and myself are contacts for Syrian refugee settlement at World Renew,” Walker said. “First things to consider in sponsorship are establishment of a committee, budgeting and fundraising. We can guide you through the paper work, but you are responsible for greeting and picking up your refugees at the airport and providing settlement support.”
Walker explained goals to set for settlement include self sufficiency, English as a Second Language course completion, job readiness, school and employment. Doctor, dentist and mental health professionals play important roles in settling refugees in a new country.
The sponsor is responsible to the refugee’s financial needs for one year. Social assistance is available after one year. Cultural integration and learning Canadian rights and responsibilities are also part of the settlement process.
“Integration can take a long time,” Walker said. “Be prepared to provide emotional and moral support. Also, anything from enrolling children into school to applying for a Social Insurance Number will need to be addressed by the sponsor.”
Walker suggested Outreach Committees be set up that include shopping, finance, social, transportation, housing, education and medical. Groups must respect the refugees’ culture and religion.
A balance of power is necessary as refugees find it difficult to say no, she noted. They need to understand they do not have to join a church or stay beyond a one-year period.
Walkerton advised potential sponsors to maintain confidentiality and “safe church” policies, principles and practices for new comers and do things with the newcomers rather than for them. Sponsors should also participate in decision making, identify goals and help the newcomers expand their social networks. She also recommended praying for new comers, the church, committees, humility, honesty, compassion and dignity. Times of adjustment are difficult, where nothing is familiar, she pointed out.
Annual settlement costs for one person are $12,600. A family of six requires $32,500 with $2,500 for each additional person.
Bette-Ann Bruulsema, representing a group of families in the Guelph area who sponsor refugees, gave a first-hand view of the sponsorship process.
“My parents sponsored refugees when I was a child and I have continued to do that. Developing long-term relationships with the refugee families is a reward. Each family has become part of my heart and life, expanding my capacity for grace,” Bruulsema stated.
She added the refugees are looking for peace and stability. Major challenges they face include housing and realistic budgets, while those who are educated may find their qualifications are not recognized in their new country. Respect, privacy and confidentiality are key, she noted.
“Realize that these people have broken dreams and need time to heal and build trust. A realization that the sponsor is in this to serve, refugees are ready to receive, so sponsors, be ready to receive from them. Finally, hold responsibility tightly,” Bruulsema advised.
Colleen Brunelle and Joanne Laing of Wellington County Settlement Services explained the county was first to put settlement services under its social services department. Guidelines are set for sponsorship groups in housing, childcare and the Ontario works programs. An office was established in Fergus in 2012. Refugees are like any other Wellington County resident requiring these services.
Affordable housing has a waiting list of anywhere from six months to five years depending on the area. There is also a lengthy waiting period for child care.
“The first priority of the county is English as a Second Language for refugees. A language assessment is completed and enrollment in courses happens quickly. Employment follows after the course is completed. Our department can help with applications for Child Tax Benefits, Social Insurance Numbers, income tax and many other services. With the office in Fergus it is easier for sponsors and refugees to access the services we offer.” Brunelle said.
For more information on settlement services through World Renew contact rwalker@worldrenew.net, pdewilde@worldrenew.net or 905-336-2920.
For County of Wellington Social Services email colleenb@wellington.ca or call 1-800-265-7294.
